Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Romans 14:7-12: In life and death, we belong to the Lord, for whom Christ died and rose, and we shall all face God’s judgment without passing judgment on each other.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and salvation; I seek to live in His presence always, confident of seeing His goodness in life.
• Gospel – Luke 15:1-10: Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who searches for one lost sheep, and a woman who searches for one lost coin, both rejoicing upon finding them. He compares this joy to the joy in heaven over a single sinner who repents, emphasizing the value of each individual’s repentance.

I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

Luke 15:7

On Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings from Romans and Luke focus on themes of God’s mercy, unity under Christ, and our responsibility to one another. Through Paul’s words on belonging to the Lord and Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, we see how God’s care extends to each of us and calls us to embrace one another.

• God’s Loving Pursuit: Jesus speaks of God as a shepherd seeking the lost sheep. This shows us that God values every soul and reaches out to bring us back when we stray.
• Accountability to God: Paul reminds us that each person answers to God. This calls us to examine our actions and live with the awareness that we are ultimately accountable to Him.
• Unity under Christ: Paul speaks of belonging to the Lord, whether we live or die. This unity invites us to set aside personal differences and remember our shared identity as God’s people.
• Rejoicing in Repentance: Jesus describes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This highlights the deep joy God feels when someone returns to Him, and it encourages us to celebrate others’ journeys toward faith.
• Judgment Belongs to God: Paul urges us not to judge one another but to leave judgment to God. This teaches us to refrain from forming harsh opinions and reminds us that only God sees the whole picture.
• God’s Individual Care: The parable of the lost sheep shows that each individual matters greatly to God. This teaches us to value people and see them as beloved by God, regardless of their background or struggles.

These themes from Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight God’s mercy and call us to respect and care for each other. They remind us that, through unity in Christ and love for others, we become active participants in God’s grace.

On Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we encounter themes of judgment, love, and God’s unending care for each one of us. Through Paul’s words and Jesus’ parable, we are reminded of the need to see others without judgment, the value of each person in God’s eyes, and the welcome He offers to all. These reflections call us to align our hearts more closely with God’s heart, to see others as He does, and to live out His love through our actions.

Leaving Judgment to God

On Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul reminds us not to judge each other but to leave all judgment to God. We may often form quick opinions about others’ actions, intentions, or situations. But Paul’s message is clear: only God sees the full picture of every person’s life and heart.

Judgment becomes a barrier that keeps us from seeing others with compassion and understanding. When we judge, we often assume we know the full story, but only God can truly know each person’s journey. By choosing not to judge, we can foster humility and kindness, focusing instead on offering love.

Following Paul’s message, we are encouraged to let go of our critical thoughts and to approach others as Jesus does. God calls us to love, to build others up, and to show mercy. When we leave judgment to God, we free ourselves to love and support each other better, helping to build the unity Paul describes in his letter.

The Value of Each Person to God

The parable of the lost sheep in the Gospel for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reveals how deeply God values each individual. When one sheep strays, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go and search for it, showing that every single person matters to God, even those who feel distant or forgotten.

Each of us is unique and irreplaceable in God’s eyes, no matter our past or our mistakes. This parable encourages us to look at each person with the same value and care that God does. Rather than seeing people as statistics or groups, we are called to recognize each individual as loved by God, with a special place in His heart.

This story also reminds us that God actively seeks us out when we stray. Just as the shepherd rejoices over the return of the lost sheep, God celebrates when we return to Him, no matter how far we may feel we have wandered. It’s a reminder of God’s patience, showing that He is always there, ready to bring us back into His care.

God’s Unconditional Welcome

The readings for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reveal God’s open and unconditional welcome to everyone. In Paul’s letter, he explains how all people belong to the Lord, whether in life or in death. The Gospel parable, too, emphasizes that God’s welcome is especially for those who are lost or feel excluded.

This openness from God calls us to welcome others in the same way, without conditions or barriers. We are invited to open our hearts to others as God has done for us, seeing each person as part of our human family. In God’s kingdom, every soul is cherished and every person is invited to experience His love.

When we follow God’s example, we become instruments of His welcome in the world. Our words, actions, and attitudes become ways to show others that they are seen and valued by God. Like the shepherd who actively searches for the lost sheep, we are called to reach out to those around us, helping them feel accepted and embraced in God’s family.

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As we reflect on Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, may we be inspired to treat others with the same love and acceptance that God shows to each of us. When we let go of judgment, embrace each person’s worth, and extend God’s welcome, we participate in His work of love and healing. May we always seek to reflect the compassion, patience, and joy that God has for every soul.

Prayer

Lord, open our hearts to see others with Your love and patience. Help us release judgment and value each person as You do. May we be a source of kindness and welcome, just as You have welcomed us into Your love. Guide us to serve and love others each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What keeps me from seeing others with the same patience and love that God shows?
• How can I remind myself of the value of each person in my life?
• What are some ways I can be more welcoming to others who may feel alone or forgotten?
• Where in my life might God be inviting me to let go of judgment and focus on love instead?

Word on Fire: Crazy In Love

Bishop Barron reflects on the gospel for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, pointing out the seemingly irrational actions of the shepherd who risks ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost. He explains that this parable illustrates God’s nature of boundless love for every individual, emphasizing that God values each soul so deeply that He would seek out each one, akin to being “crazy in love,” as described by Catherine of Siena.

What date is Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Thursday November 6, 2025.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For even numbered years see Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday November 6, 2025 are:
First Reading – Romans 14:7-12: Living for the Lord
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: Trust in Divine Refuge
Gospel – Luke 15:1-10: Joy Over the Repentant

Why does Paul remind us that we live and die for the Lord in the first reading for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul explains that as Christians, everything we do belongs to God, whether in life or death. This reminder encourages us to focus on serving God in all parts of our lives.

What does it mean to not judge others?

Paul calls us to leave judgment to God and not to judge each other harshly. God knows our hearts better than we do, and we should treat others with understanding and compassion.

How does Paul’s message of unity apply to us?

Paul says that we are united in the Lord, whether we live or die, which calls us to be one family in faith. This unity encourages us to support one another and work together to honor God.

How does the parable of the lost sheep in the Gospel for Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show God’s love?

The parable of the lost sheep highlights God’s care for every person, especially those who may feel lost or forgotten. God never abandons us and always seeks to bring us back to Him.

Why is repentance so important in the parable of the lost sheep?

The parable emphasizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, showing the value God places on each person’s return to Him. Repentance brings us closer to God and brings joy to Him.

What can we learn from God’s care for the lost?

God’s attention to the lost sheep reminds us that each person has worth, no matter their struggles or mistakes. We must value others as God does and to show care and kindness to those who may feel left out or distant.

Why does God rejoice over one person who repents?

This rejoicing shows the importance of each person’s relationship with God, no matter how far they may feel from Him. Every step toward God is meaningful and celebrated in heaven.

How can we apply these readings in our relationships?

These readings invite us to show kindness, patience, and love toward others, knowing that we are all accountable to God. Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to forgive, avoid judging others, and value each person as God’s creation.